http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0UIbd0eLxw&feature=related
Good points on both sides of the argument. However, I wish everyone on the planet could adopt a looser and bipartisan view of our creation.
For the sake of our survival as a species.
And the answer to the question, "Has Science buried God?", is science never can....as long as people believe.
But I must contend, that even the most religious person could incorporate evolution and other scientific ideas into their beliefs, without changing the importance of the messages within.
And here's a few time lapse video captures of a new star being born. So amazing.
The third one looks like God jumping forward while holding a teddy bear (at least to me)
http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2011/08/31/140087297/hubble-captures-time-lapse-videos-of-stars-being-born?sc=fb&cc=fp
8?D
A molecule within...my fragile heart and mind;
May some day meet with yours....far off in space and time.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Sunday, 28 August 2011
reality?
The earth is just a city, in a world that's yet unkown.....
Reality is just a dream .... taking place where we aren't shown.
© 2011 Clayton Kratz
Reality is just a dream .... taking place where we aren't shown.
© 2011 Clayton Kratz
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Libyan "freedom"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AWt315CO6g
The other night I watched with unrivaled optimism upon seeing countless thousands of newly "freed" Libyan citizens, cheering and crying with joy after rebels had stormed Tripoli and taken over 80% of the capital.
Today, however, I can't help but see the similarities between Libya and Iraq. It is still a very uncertain and dangerous situation that could easily spread into looting and chaos....or even worse, a civil war comparable to Iraq. It wouldn't take much.
On the other hand, this IS a different conflict. We in the West are now seen as liberators, not occupiers....and I strongly believe that this action by NATO, the U.N. and the rest of the international community will serve to bring the world together a bit. Also this is a civilian uprising, supported by international forces.....quite different from the situation in Iraq.
I suppose it's too early to tell what will happen, we can just hope for the best. I am very excited at recent developments, but am cautiously optimistic. One must remember that hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians took to the streets after the fall of Saddam, all cheering at their new-found "freedom" as well.
Luckily, the same power vacuum does not exist in Libya, with the rebel NTC group planning for a post-Ghadafi Libya. I sincerely hope that the people show restraint and do not seek revenge against pro-government forces/ppl. That would make the international community less supportive as a whole and would possibly sew the seeds of further discontent and violence.
----------------------------------------------------------------
p.s. below is a link I found just after writing this, seems quite relevant and talks about how, unlike Iraq, Libya's fight for freedom will be helped by the already formed NTC. A group like this did not exist is Iraq in 2003.
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/08/20118221490136212.html
The other night I watched with unrivaled optimism upon seeing countless thousands of newly "freed" Libyan citizens, cheering and crying with joy after rebels had stormed Tripoli and taken over 80% of the capital.
Today, however, I can't help but see the similarities between Libya and Iraq. It is still a very uncertain and dangerous situation that could easily spread into looting and chaos....or even worse, a civil war comparable to Iraq. It wouldn't take much.
On the other hand, this IS a different conflict. We in the West are now seen as liberators, not occupiers....and I strongly believe that this action by NATO, the U.N. and the rest of the international community will serve to bring the world together a bit. Also this is a civilian uprising, supported by international forces.....quite different from the situation in Iraq.
I suppose it's too early to tell what will happen, we can just hope for the best. I am very excited at recent developments, but am cautiously optimistic. One must remember that hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians took to the streets after the fall of Saddam, all cheering at their new-found "freedom" as well.
Luckily, the same power vacuum does not exist in Libya, with the rebel NTC group planning for a post-Ghadafi Libya. I sincerely hope that the people show restraint and do not seek revenge against pro-government forces/ppl. That would make the international community less supportive as a whole and would possibly sew the seeds of further discontent and violence.
----------------------------------------------------------------
p.s. below is a link I found just after writing this, seems quite relevant and talks about how, unlike Iraq, Libya's fight for freedom will be helped by the already formed NTC. A group like this did not exist is Iraq in 2003.
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/08/20118221490136212.html
Thursday, 18 August 2011
White House finally says al-Assad must go
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/08/18/139742246/white-house-calls-on-syrian-president-to-step-down?sc=fb&cc=fp
After 5 months of suffering a brutal crackdown at the hands of their own government, the Syrian people are now facing an uncertain future, with many ups and downs to consider.
With the U.S. now officially saying Syrian leader al-Assad must step down(and many more countries soon to follow I suspect), the Syrian people can hope that international intervention in some way can help bring about the reforms they so desperately want...and deserve. On the other hand, this involves the U.S. (and other nations to follow) imposing strict sanctions on the country, including not importing their oil. THis is done to put pressure on the government, but the people will suffer the most if these actions do not effect immediate change. Which they won't.....
After 5 months of suffering a brutal crackdown at the hands of their own government, the Syrian people are now facing an uncertain future, with many ups and downs to consider.
With the U.S. now officially saying Syrian leader al-Assad must step down(and many more countries soon to follow I suspect), the Syrian people can hope that international intervention in some way can help bring about the reforms they so desperately want...and deserve. On the other hand, this involves the U.S. (and other nations to follow) imposing strict sanctions on the country, including not importing their oil. THis is done to put pressure on the government, but the people will suffer the most if these actions do not effect immediate change. Which they won't.....
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
The Next Ghandi
http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/08/17/idINIndia-58824520110817
This man, I think, is about to completely change not only India, but surrounding countries like Pakistan as well. The Arab Spring revolutions that have swept across N. Africa and the Middle East are continually inspiring people elsewhere to challenge their corrupt governments (Canada and the U.S. are certainly corrupt at various levels...but are NOTHING in comparison).
I only hope that this inspires people to adopt the Ghandi mentality of peaceful disobedience, rather than another Arab Spring all-out revolt.
http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/08/17/idINIndia-58824520110817
This man, I think, is about to completely change not only India, but surrounding countries like Pakistan as well. The Arab Spring revolutions that have swept across N. Africa and the Middle East are continually inspiring people elsewhere to challenge their corrupt governments (Canada and the U.S. are certainly corrupt at various levels...but are NOTHING in comparison).
I only hope that this inspires people to adopt the Ghandi mentality of peaceful disobedience, rather than another Arab Spring all-out revolt.
http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/08/17/idINIndia-58824520110817
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Dear Iran / PLO / Syria
Shelling of Syrian coastal city still under way, PLO condemns attack against refugee camp :(
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/08/20118167523985930.html
"The shelling is taking place using gunships and tanks on houses built from tin, on people who have no place to run to or even a shelter to hide in," Yasser Abed Rabbo, the PLO secretary general, told Reuters. "This is a crime against humanity."
I've been saying since the start of these uprisings, beginning in Tunisia and Egypt 6-7 months ago, that it would eventually spread to Iran. Now here we are on Iran's doorstep, with Syria's massacre of it's own people to prevent them from further revolt ( besides being inhumane, it is also an incredibly stupid position to take...to think that sort of violence will make ppl want you to stay in power).
Yes, it's tragic how many people have lost their lives in these revolts.... but I think this is one of the most amazing moments in our history. Certainly since the fall of The Berlin Wall or the end of WW2. And I do think the installed "democracies" in Iraq/Afghanistan have been a motivating factor as well. But with Iran's neighbour and ally approaching collapse...and an increasing number of (even Arab) nations condemning Syria's actions, it really seems like we are on the edge of either lasting peace or an enormous war. (A bit black & white, I suppose)
I really hope we can avoid further conflict in the middle-east, but at this point, I think that hope is almost childish and ignorant of the facts. The people of Iran and Syria are deserving of freedom, just as much as anyone else. But if NATO and the U.N. go into Syria like they did in Libya....Iran will likely be drawn into the conflict even more(I'm sure they already have agents in there trying to help "quell" the protests). And if Iran's own citizens start protesting again, they will be put down just as badly (if Iran's history of dealing with protests is any indication). In either case, we cannot afford another war, even if only part of a coalition....financially, or on a purely human basis. War with Iran would put the world at risk of a catastrophic (and possibly nuclear) conflict.
In conclusion, I'd like to say the following:
Dear Iran : When Syria crumbles and the people of the world put the pressure on you next....to reform and allow ppl their freedom......please just make that concession before you bring us to the brink of WW3. Actually, do it now.... before you start to lose power yourself, become desperate like al-Assad and Gadhafi. If you don't reform and continue to support these sorts of brutal crackdowns and governments....the west WILL kick your ass.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/08/20118167523985930.html
"The shelling is taking place using gunships and tanks on houses built from tin, on people who have no place to run to or even a shelter to hide in," Yasser Abed Rabbo, the PLO secretary general, told Reuters. "This is a crime against humanity."
I've been saying since the start of these uprisings, beginning in Tunisia and Egypt 6-7 months ago, that it would eventually spread to Iran. Now here we are on Iran's doorstep, with Syria's massacre of it's own people to prevent them from further revolt ( besides being inhumane, it is also an incredibly stupid position to take...to think that sort of violence will make ppl want you to stay in power).
Yes, it's tragic how many people have lost their lives in these revolts.... but I think this is one of the most amazing moments in our history. Certainly since the fall of The Berlin Wall or the end of WW2. And I do think the installed "democracies" in Iraq/Afghanistan have been a motivating factor as well. But with Iran's neighbour and ally approaching collapse...and an increasing number of (even Arab) nations condemning Syria's actions, it really seems like we are on the edge of either lasting peace or an enormous war. (A bit black & white, I suppose)
I really hope we can avoid further conflict in the middle-east, but at this point, I think that hope is almost childish and ignorant of the facts. The people of Iran and Syria are deserving of freedom, just as much as anyone else. But if NATO and the U.N. go into Syria like they did in Libya....Iran will likely be drawn into the conflict even more(I'm sure they already have agents in there trying to help "quell" the protests). And if Iran's own citizens start protesting again, they will be put down just as badly (if Iran's history of dealing with protests is any indication). In either case, we cannot afford another war, even if only part of a coalition....financially, or on a purely human basis. War with Iran would put the world at risk of a catastrophic (and possibly nuclear) conflict.
In conclusion, I'd like to say the following:
Dear Iran : When Syria crumbles and the people of the world put the pressure on you next....to reform and allow ppl their freedom......please just make that concession before you bring us to the brink of WW3. Actually, do it now.... before you start to lose power yourself, become desperate like al-Assad and Gadhafi. If you don't reform and continue to support these sorts of brutal crackdowns and governments....the west WILL kick your ass.
Monday, 15 August 2011
Libyan Rebels
If they succeed in besieging and cutting off Tripoli from supplies, I hope the civilians there don't suffer too much and are forced to fight on the side of the rebels when he doesn't give up. Gadhafi isn't the sort of guy to give up power just because thousands and thousands of his ppl are starving :( which they will be.... he will take all the remaining food and oil for his armies I'd be willing to bet.
Video Coverage:
http://english.aljazeera.n
Video Coverage:
http://english.aljazeera.n
Thursday, 11 August 2011
field of view/field of landmines
I have been very up and down with my moods and equally extreme in some of my views...recently and in the past. But especially for the last 6 months or so while on an SSRI and other meds to try and give me a boost. Now that I'm a bit more level and feeling better with the help of Lithium and exercise....I felt the need to go in a slightly different direction than normal.
http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/banmines/facts.asp
Above is a U.N. fact sheet on landmines. A friend sent it to me and helped me to realize that I wasn't seeing the whole picture. I still think some interventions and acts of war are justified, but I too often forget the people who are most affected...civilians. We have the most advanced and accurate weapons in history, landmines should be prohibited from any army's arsenal. They are strewn around like confetti and women & children are killed more often than intended targets.
Also here is an amazingly powerful commercial, perhaps THE most powerful I have ever seen. It speaks for itself, but really reminds me of how far removed we are from the realities of war and the experiences of people around the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXVCYQ1qix8&feature=player_embedded
I do read a lot of different reports and hear different points of view on the issues I discuss....however I almost always come down on the side of government, always defending actions that shouldn't really be justified. I think I do this partially just to have something to talk about....and to go against the norm. Not very admirable, I admit, however I think that's a bi-product of 6-7 years of near-isolation and not being understood because of my issues. Now it's up to me to change and get back on board with the program.
http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/banmines/facts.asp
Above is a U.N. fact sheet on landmines. A friend sent it to me and helped me to realize that I wasn't seeing the whole picture. I still think some interventions and acts of war are justified, but I too often forget the people who are most affected...civilians. We have the most advanced and accurate weapons in history, landmines should be prohibited from any army's arsenal. They are strewn around like confetti and women & children are killed more often than intended targets.
Also here is an amazingly powerful commercial, perhaps THE most powerful I have ever seen. It speaks for itself, but really reminds me of how far removed we are from the realities of war and the experiences of people around the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXVCYQ1qix8&feature=player_embedded
I do read a lot of different reports and hear different points of view on the issues I discuss....however I almost always come down on the side of government, always defending actions that shouldn't really be justified. I think I do this partially just to have something to talk about....and to go against the norm. Not very admirable, I admit, however I think that's a bi-product of 6-7 years of near-isolation and not being understood because of my issues. Now it's up to me to change and get back on board with the program.
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Syria/Iran
Will the U.S. finally tell al-Assad to step down? And what happens when he doesn't? And what happens when Iran's neighbour and ally tumbles into further anarchy and a power vacuum follows? International forces and markets are stretched thin as it is...another intervention like in Libya will be extremely costly. But isn't it our duty in the west(and anywhere in the world) to defend the helpless and aid those in need? Especially when Iran is already in there causing s*** and will obviously be looking to exert control should that power vacuum come to being. Should we save our own money by not getting involved in another fight outside our borders....or should we willingly spend it to prevent thousands more from being massacred? I'm for the former, although maybe that's easier for me to say since I'm not working or paying much in the way of taxes :)
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/08/10/syria.unrest/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/08/10/syria.unrest/index.html
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
London riots
http://www.npr.org/2011/08/09/
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7H02HSip_c&feature=player_embedded#at=42
It is truly disgusting how ppl are looting and creating anarchy in London...using a police shooting as an excuse. The original protests over that were peaceful and then turned violent. I can understand that one day...kinda. But for three days straight???!!! Opportunism at it's worst...just like we saw in Vancouver. And some say they are doing this because of govt cuts. Well, guess what morons.....the govt will just have to hike taxes and make more cuts to cover the cost of the damage. F*** You :)
Also feel the need to say(w/respect to my previous zeitgeist rants), that while a lot of that kind of anti-govt information is true, it is also sometimes twisted and full of outright lies that basically incite hate and disrespect. In the hands of decent citizens, that information is harmless really, since we can all make up our own minds, do research and take an APPROPRIATE course of action. But in our youth, that sort of popular "movement" is also the sort of thing that fuels the f*** authority mentality of these idiots....
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7H02HSip_c&feature=player_embedded#at=42
It is truly disgusting how ppl are looting and creating anarchy in London...using a police shooting as an excuse. The original protests over that were peaceful and then turned violent. I can understand that one day...kinda. But for three days straight???!!! Opportunism at it's worst...just like we saw in Vancouver. And some say they are doing this because of govt cuts. Well, guess what morons.....the govt will just have to hike taxes and make more cuts to cover the cost of the damage. F*** You :)
Also feel the need to say(w/respect to my previous zeitgeist rants), that while a lot of that kind of anti-govt information is true, it is also sometimes twisted and full of outright lies that basically incite hate and disrespect. In the hands of decent citizens, that information is harmless really, since we can all make up our own minds, do research and take an APPROPRIATE course of action. But in our youth, that sort of popular "movement" is also the sort of thing that fuels the f*** authority mentality of these idiots....
Monday, 8 August 2011
Iraqi/Afghani Remembrance Day
We have remembrance day for our fallen soldiers and heroes that have died for our freedom throughout the years. Was just thinking that the many many people who have died in the last 10 years in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan....are not simply fodder for anti-govt/anti-war b.s. - and they did not die in vain(I hope). In 50 years they will be the ones remembered and seen as heroes...same goes with the other countries in the region fighting against oppressive regimes.
As I said b4 though...it's too bad that wasn't the only reason for our interventions
Two Rabbis and two Atheists walk into a bar....
http://www.jewishtvnetwork.com/?bcpid=533363107&bctid=802338105001
"In this recent Whizin Center for Continuine Education program, leading advocates for atheism, Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris square off against Newsweek top rabbis, David Wolpe and Bradley Artson Shavit to determine what may or may not happen in the hereafter. "
"In this recent Whizin Center for Continuine Education program, leading advocates for atheism, Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris square off against Newsweek top rabbis, David Wolpe and Bradley Artson Shavit to determine what may or may not happen in the hereafter. "
It's especially interesting to hear a "religious" point of view concerning near-death experiences and other things. Certain parts of this vid show what I've been trying to say on my blog in the past. There IS common ground, since we are all just humans....and this is something that could happen in our lifetimes if the majority of ppl stopped taking everything so literally. Religion is not a bad thing...it helps many ppl deal with their lives...and much of the widespread criticism is based on ideas that are thousands of years old....but false scientific statements made 2000 years ago are NOT constantly brought up in debate vs atheism. Unfair IMO. SO w/ respect to the whole Science vs Religion thing.... they are both constantly evolving. One explains what can be proven, the other tries to explain what cannot. Who cares who's right....as long as it helps you. But literal translation(while harmless in most cases) is quickly dividing and bringing this world to a point of no return.
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Hiroshima / "illusion of freedom" / Iraq & Afghan wars
This rant is in response to someone talking about how we are less free than at any point in human history...and other's comments about the Iraq war and Hiroshima, on this day of remembrance.
We will never be completely free while governments exist.....but average ppl are far from being able to institute "freedom" w/o this necessary evil. And I agree with everythng said here, except that we are less free than at any point before. It may be an "illusion" of sorts, as Carlin says, but we still have it very very good....and that is coming from someone who is poor as **** and hasn't been able to work in years. I still consider myself extremely lucky(when I'm lucky enough to have this perspective)
We may have to put up with a lot of b.s. in this country and in the west in general...but at least we don't have to worry about being tortured or killed for speaking our mind about the government in public. In my sometimes extreme view, that is definitely something worth fighting/dying for. Too bad that's not the only reason for us being over there all these years.
We will never be completely free while governments exist.....but average ppl are far from being able to institute "freedom" w/o this necessary evil. And I agree with everythng said here, except that we are less free than at any point before. It may be an "illusion" of sorts, as Carlin says, but we still have it very very good....and that is coming from someone who is poor as **** and hasn't been able to work in years. I still consider myself extremely lucky(when I'm lucky enough to have this perspective)
And with respect to Hiroshima, although tragic(I'm glad to see ppl remembering events like this and not just days like 11/11)...that act saved millions of lives.... it wasn't as simple as 100,000 Japanese people losing their lives. The actions of WW2 along with other and current major conflicts have helped(and will eventually help) to bring millions the "false freedom" many talk about. No matter which way you slice it, war is terrible.....I guess I just really hope some good comes out of it...and that after every last soldier has left those 2 countries, that the people there fight back to achieve some semblance of freedom and peace....as well as all the nations enduring massive civil strife right now. It's horrible what's going on across that region, but I think it's really the only shot they have at attaining the "illusion" of freedom that we are lucky enough to possess.
We may have to put up with a lot of b.s. in this country and in the west in general...but at least we don't have to worry about being tortured or killed for speaking our mind about the government in public. In my sometimes extreme view, that is definitely something worth fighting/dying for. Too bad that's not the only reason for us being over there all these years.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Hitler-esque / Violence against those with disabilities
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/08/02/mb-disabled-man-beaten-dies-winnipeg.html?ref=rss
- this is one of the most horrible things I've ever read....my stance on capital punishment grows towards the right, at least at this moment.
- Beating anyone in general for no reason is bad enough. Someone that's disabled...so much worse. Someone that's in a wheelchair and has brittle bones, who's probably lonely as hell and invites you up to his apartment.... that's on a level with Hitler.
sacrifice/Anne Frank
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/annefrank/relative.html?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=fanpage&utm_campaign=ThisDayHistory
Aug 6th and 9th are also the "anniversaries" of the a-bombs n Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Personally, although horrendous, I think that action saved millions more lives.... "militant pascifism"(sp?) as Einstein justified it. Wish it was dropped on Hitler's Germany instead, but I think it's important to look back sometimes on these sorts of events and remember, not only the sacrifice of soldiers on days like 11/11...but also the millions of civilians who have sacrificed so much through history as well. Unfortunately this still continues, though on a much smaller level....
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